Book Review - Heartstopper: Volume 5 by Alice Oseman

Title: Heartstopper: Volume 5 (Heartstopper # 5)
Author: Alice Oseman
Genre: Romance/ Graphic Novel, LGBTQ+
Published: 2023
 
Description: Nick and Charlie are very much in love. They’ve finally said those three little words, and Charlie has almost persuaded his mum to let him sleep over at Nick’s house… But when Nick going off to university next year, is everything about to change?
 
Review: This is the fifth part in the “Heartstopper” series, with a sixth one on the way. In this volume, Nick and Charlie have to think about their future. Which university do they want tot attend, and will they sill live close enough to maintain their relationship? Fortunately, their relationship is stronger than ever, and Nick and Charlie seem unbeatable as a couple.
 
Charlie feels that they are ready for the next step in their relationship. They would like to stay over at each other’s houses, but Charlie’s mother, in particular, is not keen on the idea. Nick also goes on a trip with Tara and Elle. They visit the universities of Kent, Oxford and Leeds. Because they have to pick universities.
 
In this part, Nick and Charlie show that growing up is not as easy an fun as it seems. You have to make so many choices that feel will determine the rest of your life. One of those is which school to attend: do they choose a school close to home, so they can still see their family and friends, or do they choose a school that is actually much better suited for them, but also much further away? And especially Nick is finding this particular difficult.
 
I love this series and even though I really enjoyed this fifth volume, it didn’t give me the same feeling as the other four did. It’s my least favorite so far. This was supposed to be the final book in the series, but Alice Oseman announced that she’s actually wrapping it up in a sixth volume. And I think it does deserve a better ending, so I t makes sense.
 
Rating: 3,5/ 5

Book Review - Heartstopper: Volume 4 by Alice Oseman

Title: Heartstopper Volume 4
Author: Alice Oseman
Genre: Graphic Novel/ LGBTQ+/ Romance
Published: 2021
 
Description: Charlie didn’t think Nick could ever like him back, but noe they’re officially boyfriends. Charlié beginning to feel ready to say thos three little words: I love you.
 
Nick’s been feeling the same, but he’s got a lot on his mind – not least coming out to his dad, and the fact that Charlie might have an eating disorder.
 
As summer turns into autumn and a new school year begins, Charlie and Nick are about to learn a lot about what love means.
 
Review: The fourth installment in the “Heartstopper” series. An in depth story of love, friendship and mental health. This book is a little heavier then the previous three, but I praise Alice Oseman for it.
 
In “Heartstopper: Volume 4” we follow Nick and Charlie, whose relationship is blossoming. But they face new challenges. Including Nick coming out to his dad and Charlie’s mental health. An eating disorder and self-harm to be more specific. Nick notices something is wrong with Charlie, but Charlie doesn’t talk about it. He feels like he cannot talk about it with his family, and Nick is trying to find a way to help him.
 
Dealing with a complex theme as this is difficult enough, let along in a graphic novel for young adults. Alice Oseman dealt with this in a beautiful way and manages to capture the essence of it. The books is realistic and tells a hopeful message. And despite the heavy topics, the story is accessible and easy to read.
 
This fourth book is my favorite in the series so far. It made me so emotional, I felt so many emotions while reading this story. Charlie and Nick are wonderful characters, together and apart. And I can’t wait to read the final installment.
 
Rating: 5/ 5

Book Review - Heartstopper: Volume 3 by Alice Oseman

Title: Heartstopper: Volume 3 (Heartstopper # 3)
Author: Alice Oseman
Genre: Graphic Novel/ Romance/ LGBTQ+
Published: 2020
 
Description: A school trip to Paris. Not only are Nick and Charlie navigating a new city, but also telling more people about their relationship AND learning more about the challenges each other are facing in private…
 
Meanwhile Tao and Ellie will face their feelings for other, Tara and Darcy share more about their relationship origin story, and he teachers supervising the trip seem… rather close…?
 
Review: The “Heartstopper” series is a super cute, fun and lovely book series to read. Always perfect if you’re in the mood for a heartwarming, quick and sweet read. In this third volume, Nick and Charlie are going on a school trip to Paris. Nick starts feeling more comfortable telling people about his sexuality, telling more people about his relationship with Charlie. But both are also facing personal struggles, that are not fully surfacing yet.
 
Again, this book just makes you happy. But it does touch on some more heavy themes, like self-harm or an eating disorder. I figure this last part is one we’ll dive into more in the fourth volume. Because it was mentioned, Nick believes Charlie is dealing with this and he’s researching it.
 
We also get an insight in some other relationships at this school, Like Tao and Ellie, Darcy and Tara and some of the teachers. I love how Nick and Charlie are exploring their relationship together.
 
Of the three books, so far, this is my least favorite. But I still really loved it. These books are just too cute to not love.
 
Rating: 4/ 5

Book Review - Heartstopper: Volume 2 by Alice Oseman

Title: Heartstopper: Volume 2 (Heartstopper # 2)
Author: Alice Oseman
Genre: Romance/ Graphic Novel/ Young Adult
Published: 2019
 
Description: Nick and Charlie are best friends. Nick knows Charlie is gay, and Charlie is sure that Nick isn’t.
 
But love works in surprising ways, and Nick is discovering all kinds of things about his friends, his family… and himself.
 
Review: If you are open to trying graphic novels, but are not sure if it’s for you, the Heartstopper series is the perfect choice. Also if you want to read more books with LGBTQ+ representation. And if you want to meet your reading goal quicker, these novels are also a good pick, because you fly through them.
 
In “Heartstopper: Volume 2”, Nick and Charlie are still best friends. Charlie already had feelings for Nick, but he’s also sure Nick is not into guys. Meanwhile, Nick is struggling with his feelings and believes he might like girls ánd boys.
 
Nick is struggling to come out as bisexual and Charlie knows exactly how he’s feeling. Nick is not ready yet, but knows that he will eventually tell other people. It’s so lovely to see how much support Nick and Charlie get from the people that matter.
 
I already really enjoyed “Heartstopper: Volume 1”, but I absolutely loved the second book. Q very quick read, to make you feel happier within the first few pages.
 
Rating: 5/ 5

Book Review - Heartstopper: Volume 1

Title: Heartstopper: Volume 1 (Heartstopper # 1)
Author: Alice Oseman
Genre: Romance/ Graphic Novel/ Young Adult
Published: 2018
 
Description: Charlie, a highly-strung, openly gay over-thinker, and Nick, a cheerful, soft-hearted rugby player, meet at a British all-boys grammar school. Friendship blooms quickly, but could there be something more…?
 
Charlie Spring is in Year 10 at Truham Grammar School for Boys. The past year hasn’t been too great, but at least he’s not being bullied anymore.  Nick Nelson is in Year 11 and on the school rugby team. He’s heart a little about Charlie – the kid who was outed last year and bullied for a few months – but he’s never had the opportunity to talk to him.
 
They quickly become friends, and soon Charlie is falling for Nick, even though he doesn’t think he has a chance. But love works in surprising ways, and sometimes good things are waiting just around the corner…
 
Review: You must have been living under a rock in YA world if you haven’t heard of “Heartstopper”. A queer graphic novel series, immensely popular. This is the first book and I’m finally stepping on the Heartstopper-train myself.
 
Alice Oseman starts with the cute story in “Heartstopper: Volume 1”, where we first get to know Charlie. Charlie has come out as gay and meets up with a guy named Ben. Ben still wants nobody to know and he doesn’t really treat Charlie well. But then Charlie meets Nick, a rugby player at his school. The form a friendship and quickly, Charlie starts to feel a little bit more for Nick.
 
As readers, we get a little peek into the lives of both characters. In this first volume we follow Charlie in particular, but occasionally we also get a glimpse of Nick struggling with his own feelings, while Charlie already knows what he feels.
 
Alice Oseman’s queer graphic novels are incredibly popular and I understand why. First, of course, there is a big part of representation. For young people who are struggling with their sexuality, struggle with feelings or are bullied, this is an excellent book to read. Especially also because it such a feel-good story, it is hopeful. Even if you’re not queer. The overall hopeful atmosphere is wonderful while reading.
 
And I think the feel-good, intense cuteness is also a reason this series is so popular. Oseman’s illustrations are simplistic, but capture everything so well. It’s a super quick read and I need to get my hand onto the res of the series. Because I really enjoyed this first book. And it left me wanting more.
 
Rating: 4/ 5